Product Specialist - Panel Dividing/Solid Wood

Position Summary The Product Specialist is the driver of the product line’s success within the region and will be responsible to act as the product’s regional intelligence center by providing sales, pricing, market, and technical expertise. The Product Specialist must understand the product application and technical details to fulfill acquisition of its product. Essential Functions • Product Knowledge • Product Specialist must develop a deep understanding of the features, functionalities and benefits of the company’s products and services • Staying up to date on products and changes to the product line • Understand the customer’s process, to provide sales and technical assistance to the sales team • Sales Support • Travel regularly with the sales team to foster sales activity and impart product knowledge • Help drive sales opportunities, pricing, open proposals and manage projected close dates • Help review our customer’s processes, along with their current goals and future needs • As required, perform cost studies to determine R.O.I. for discussions with potential customers • Work with sales team to set strategy after local trade shows and events to ensure follow up • Manage sales progress with the sales team and develop the next steps to close the order • Ensure all orders and internal sales notes are complete and have the appropriate options and solution provided, assisting Install Coordinator (as needed) confirming delivery and install commitments are kept • Act as liaison between Admin, LCS team, Sales, Install Coordinator and customers to ensure orders of equipment, and parts or service requirements related to the order, are fulfilled as expected by both the company and the customer • Attend Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) as required • Strategic Sales Analysis • Provide Regional Director with sales forecast and strategy for assigned product line • Collaborate with Product Management and other Regional Product Specialists regarding National product performance • Collaborate with Product Group to recommend, demonstrate and propose appropriate product solutions • Review lost order reports, analyze trends, and work with Regional Director, Sales Manager, and Product Manager to develop proactive action plans • Product Development/ Market Research • Report product improvements and innovation ideas to Product Manager based on feedback from regional customers, sales, and service • Identify and report market availability for products, project true volumes • Track competitor activities and report new product offerings, pricing, and competitive features • Assist in the development of promotional materials, samples, case studies, and competitive comparisons • Training and Education • Keep regional sales, field service, and technical support abreast of new features and developments • Provide the sales team with product sales training sessions and track progress • Assist sales team and Stiles University to develop/execute regional learning and open house events • Provide technical expertise and support for regional demonstrations and/or trade shows Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent • Experience in the industrial equipment sector or related manufacturing experience • Technical sales or product management experience Skills & Abilities • Self-motivated • Proficiency in MS Office • Strong attention to detail • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written • Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative • Excellent problem-solving skills If you are currently an employee of a Stiles Machinery customer or dealer, we need written approval from senior management of your current employer before continuing the application process. Stiles has been helping manufacturers nationwide increase their efficiency and productivity for more than 60 years. With world-class machinery backed by an experienced and responsive support team, extensive parts inventory, unique upgrade capabilities, and a nationally accredited education and training program, Stiles builds solutions around our customer’s needs. We offer expertise in manufacturing a range of materials, including wood, plastics, composites, carbon fiber, glass, stone, and nonferrous metals. Our innovative concepts, new technologies, and outstanding service extend to aerospace, transportation, alternative energy, architecture and structural elements, furniture, retail fixtures, and other industries. Stiles is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has regional offices in High Point, North Carolina; Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania; Coppell, Texas; and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Interested in joining the Stiles team? We offer our team members a generous benefit package, an opportunity for career advancement, and support in your career every step of the way!